Learn How To Play Latin Drums
Latin music is one of the popular styles of music. Latin music came around much before rock, country and pop styles of music. Latin America is the place of origin of Latin music and has various styles and tempos. Rumba, Salsa, Bossa, Cascara, and Guaguanco are the some of the types of Latin music. Latin drumming happens very rarely and a drummer who has knowledge about these styles of music is sure to benefit.
If you have been a rock drummer, you need to be careful when playing Latin beats. Rock drumming is completely different from Latin drumming. In most forms of drumming, a drummer is just to support the groove and rhythm of the other members of the band. However, in Latin drumming the approach of the drummer is totally different. To play Latin music one has to play different rhythm and tempos. The basics of Latin drumming can help you play any type of music, including rock.
To become a Latin drummer you first need to understand that you will have to play hard and soft music in a single song. To know when to play hard and soft music is another challenge. Latin drumming has the effect of varying degrees of loud and soft music, which is the challenge for most of the drummers. You can start practicing on the pads first and then move on to drums.
Before you start playing Latin beats, gather all the CDs containing Latin music. Listen to lot of Latin songs having different styles like Bembe, Salsa, Mambo and Bossa Nova. Before you play drums it is very important to get the feel of Latin music. Once you get the feel you will get into the mood of playing the drums that way as well.
Once you get the feel of Latin music, start playing. Don’t try to learn all the Latin rhythms at the same time, take one at a time. To give an example of a pattern, let us start with the clave pattern. This pattern is important in Latin music. This pattern needs to be learnt first on the practice pads. Clave can be played in either of direction as it has a two bar pattern. Rumba clave, son clave and 6/8 clave are the three main claves in Latin music. There are different ways to play a clave pattern and one can take professional training for the same.
Master each pattern of Latin music gradually. Often when playing drums, you may see congas, cowbells, woodblocks and a tambourine accompanying the band. These are set up for the warmer and mellow sound.
When it comes to Latin drumming, one is sure to have heard about Mike Michalkow. He is an excellent drummer and a drum teacher. He has been in drumming for over 19 years. Mike graduated in music in the year 1994. He has played in various bands and has been recording and teaching a number of drummers. His passion for drums and percussion gained him popularity. He is not only an excellent drummer, but a good teacher as well. He has touched many hearts through every performance. In 2007, along with Railroad Media Inc, Mike released the Latin Drumming System. To date, it is the most comprehensive Latin drumming training package every created.
It is important to find proper information on Latin drumming, as there is SO much mis-information out on the internet these days. Stay focused and have fun!
Do you want to learn drums? Visit LearningDrums.com for more information.
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